Blog | The Sleepy Hollow

Helicopters, Kayaks & Bikes: The Best Ways to Explore Westchester

Written by Sleepy Hollow | Apr 7, 2025 4:00:36 PM

Many things about New York are undeniably adventurous and exciting. You can enjoy everything beautiful the area offers from the ground or the sky; either way, you will indeed have the chance to appreciate it in new, fun ways. Take some time to admire the magnificence of the Hudson River on a kayak or visit one of the many glorious parks nearby via e-bike. Hop on a helicopter tour to see everything from a new perspective. The choices are endless. 

We have curated a guide to the best places to kayak, bike, and take helicopter rides, so you won’t have to search far and wide. Read along and see which activity suits you and your adventurous spirit.

Book a Westchester Helicopter Tour  

The meeting point for the listed helicopter tours is at the Westchester County Airport, accessible via the I-287 W. It's only a short 20-minute drive from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel to the Westchester helicopter tour of your dreams.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building attracts millions of visitors who wish to view Manhattan from here. Instead of looking out from the building, elevate your sightseeing experience by viewing the building from the sky as you fly by in a helicopter. This beautiful building is famous for its nightly light display, but check the calendar before booking the evening tour.

One World Trade Center

As a modern NYC skyscraper, One World Trade Center impresses with its floor-to-ceiling windows and 360-degree views. It's also the tallest building in the city and an engineering marvel, which you can admire to its fullest with a helicopter tour.

Manhattan Skyline

Gain a new perspective of the Manhattan skyline with a Westchester helicopter tour. You can view the skyline from skyscrapers with observation decks, but these are limited in height and perspective. But a helicopter is incredibly maneuverable and can ascend above any building, allowing you to enjoy sweeping skyline views.

Book a Westchester Kayak Tour

Several top-tier kayak tours are available to explore the phenomenal waterways of New York. Many of these are ideal for beginners since the sit-on-top kayaks are stable, safe, and guided by experts. Whether you wish to explore Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown Lakes, or Rye Beach, a kayak tour is a terrific choice.

Sleepy Hollow

Enjoy a thrilling guided tour where you will learn the basics of kayaking. During the tour, you will paddle past eye-catching landmarks like the Tarrytown Lighthouse and the Tappan Zee Bridge. The access point is at the Hudson River Recreation and is a 15-minute drive by taxi via the South Broadway route from the hotel.

Tarrytown Lakes

The serene waters of Tarrytown Lakes will win you over, especially if you crave the ultimate family getaway. This beautiful area is home to various species, such as turtles, herons, and ducks. The best way to explore the lakes is by renting recreational kayaks, allowing you to paddle the water at your own pace. This tour is at the Tarrytown Lakes Park and is only a 10-minute drive by taxi from the hotel via the Neperan Road route.

Rye Beach

Rye Beach and its splendid surrounding areas are vast, which you can traverse alone, but it's best to opt for a tour. This guided tour is ideal for beginners who wish to explore the nearby jetties, Rye Playland Amusement Park, and the Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. The quickest route from the hotel to the Rye Town Beach access point is a 25-minute drive via the I-287 E.

Rent an E-Bike

An e-bike is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to explore Westchester. You can pedal to extend your range or let the electric motor assist you. Furthermore, no license or insurance is required to rent an e-bike, making it accessible and affordable.

Pierson Park

One of the most well-maintained parks in Westchester is Pierson Park. It's the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and wondrous views of the Hudson River. Furthermore, the park is bike-friendly, so consider renting an e-bike. It's only a 5-minute ride with an e-bike from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel.

Horan's Landing

Horan's Landing is an exquisite park revealing unforgettable views of the Hudson River. It's ideal for taking photographs of the stunning scenery or enjoying relaxing walks. The park is accessible via the South Broadway and Main Street route from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and is a 5-minute e-bike ride.

Washington Irving Boat Club

As you explore Westchester by bike, you'll eventually need to grab a bite to restore your energy. Luckily, Westchester is full of excellent eateries, but we recommend the Washington Irving Boat Club for its cozy atmosphere and live music events. This establishment is reachable via the South Broadway and Riverview Avenue route from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and is a 5-minute e-bike ride.

Explore Westchester & Surroundings

No matter what kind of adventure you're after, these spots are the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful nature around here. Whether you're kayaking past well-known places, enjoying Tarrytown Lakes, or exploring Rye Beach, each place has something remarkable to experience. And if you're looking for a completely different perspective, the helicopter tour gives you a bird's-eye view of Manhattan's skyscrapers and skyline. It's an exhilarating way to experience the city. These adventures are just a short distance away from the Sleepy Hollow Hotel.

Book your stay at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and stay in sophisticated luxury during your visit to New York.